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The Maritime Arbitrators Association of
Nigeria (MAAN), on Wednesday, stressed the need to strengthen confidence in
maritime arbitration as a way of resolving disputes in the sector.

The
Honourary Secretary of the association, Mr Osuala Nwagbara, said this in an
interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

According
to him, maritime arbitration is cost-effective, time-saving and more
confidential.

Nwagbara
said the association's 2015 conference would be looking at the challenges
facing the sector with a view to proffering solutions.

``One
of the issues we are looking at this year is what we call ‘Anti-suit injunction’
and related issues how they also impact on arbitration.

``If
we agreed between us as business people to have our dispute resolved by
arbitration, would it be right for one of the parties to go to court to
institute an action?

``Apart
from raising objection in the court, what other way can you stop such a party
from taking a dispute that would normally be resolved though the maritime
arbitration window to the conventional courts.

``These
are some of the issues that we are going to look at.

Nwagbara
said that the conference would also use a ``mood and mock trial system’’ to
practically demonstrate how maritime arbitration functioned.

He
said the practical session would help participants to a have better
understanding of how arbitration functioned in real life issues.

Nwagbara
said that the conference would also look at some other aspects of maritime law
to enable maritime arbitrators to have a better insight on their application.

According
to him, the practical demonstration will also assist other professionals who
are involved in maritime arbitration on how to resolve disputes.